Systems and methods for playing a game

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for playing a football-type game. Game systems described herein can employ a playing field having a scrimmage zone, first and second no run zones, and first and second scoring zones. The combined maximum length of the scrimmage zone and the first and second no run zones can be less than 30 yards. Certain embodiments concern methods for playing flag football.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for playing a game. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention concern systems and methods for playing a football-style game.

2. Description of the Related Art

As America's favorite spectator sport, the game of football has remained essentially unchanged over the years, excepting some minor changes in rules and player equipment. For example, the basic playing field, goalposts and ball have remained virtually the same over the years. The total length of the field between goal lines has remained at 100 yards, and the width of the field has stayed at approximately 50 yards. An end zone extends beyond each of the goal lines, having a depth of approximately 10 yards. In each end zone, a field goalpost is positioned comprising a pair of upright posts traversed by a horizontal crossbar that holds the two upright posts at an approximately 18-foot separation.

In general, teams playing football are given a four plays to advance the ball a minimum distance (e.g., 10 yards) thereby receiving an additional four “downs” to again advance the ball the minimum distance or drive the ball into the end zone. The opposing team on defense attempts to prevent the ball from being moved the minimum distance, such as by tackling a ball carrier or blocking/intercepting a passed ball, thereby ending the play. A variation of traditional tackle-style football is flag football, where an offensive play can be stopped by a defensive player pulling a removable flag worn by an offensive player carrying the ball. As with tackle football, a play in flag football can also be stopped by blocking or intercepting a passed ball. Although improvements and modifications have been made over the years to the game of football, advances are still desired.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention concerns a system for playing a game. The system of this embodiment comprises: (a) a playing field having defined thereon: (i) a scrimmage zone having opposing first and second ends; (ii) opposing first and second no run zones respectively proximate the first and second ends of the scrimmage zone; (iii) opposing first and second scoring zones respectively proximate the first and second no run zones; and (b) a prolate spheroid ball, where the scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 20 yards, where the scrimmage zone and the first and second no run zones have a combined maximum length of less than 30 yards.

Another embodiment of the present invention concerns a method of organizing a game. The method of this embodiment comprises administering a set of rules for playing the game, where the rules provide for: (a) a playing field having defined thereon: (i) a scrimmage zone having opposing first and second ends; (ii) opposing first and second no run zones respectively proximate the first and second ends of the scrimmage zone; (iii) opposing first and second scoring zones respectively proximate the first and second no run zones; where the scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 20 yards, where the first and second no run zones each have a maximum length of less than 5 yards, (b) a prolate spheroid ball, (c) a point-scoring system where a first team is given a total of 4 plays or less to advance the prolate spheroid ball into a designated one of the first or second scoring zones.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns a method of playing a football-type game. The method of this embodiment comprises: (a) obtaining a playing field having defined thereon: (i) a scrimmage zone having opposing first and second ends; (ii) opposing first and second no run zones respectively proximate the first and second ends of the scrimmage zone; (iii) opposing first and second scoring zones respectively proximate the first and second no run zones; where the scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 20 yards, where the first and second no run zones each have a maximum length of less than 5 yards; (b) obtaining a prolate spheroid ball; (c) providing a first team having a plurality of players and a second team having a plurality of players; and (d) providing the first team a total of 4 plays or less to advance the prolate spheroid ball into a designated one of the first or second scoring zones from a predetermined starting point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a playing field having a plurality of zones demarcated according to the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention concern a system and method for playing a football-style game. As used herein, the term “football” shall refer to gridiron football (e.g., American or Canadian football) and similar variations thereof as opposed to the game of soccer. The system for playing the game described herein can comprise a particular playing field and a ball, among other optional components. Additionally, the game can be played in accordance with a particular set of rules, as described below.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a schematic view of a playing field 10 suitable for use in various embodiments of the present invention is depicted. The playing field 10 is divided into 5 distinct zones. First, the playing field 10 has a scrimmage zone 12 defined thereon, which includes opposing first and second ends 14 a,b. Next, the playing field 10 has opposing first and second no run zones 16 a,b respectively proximate to the first and second ends 14 a,b of the scrimmage zone 12. As used herein, the term “proximate” is intended to mean separated by a distance of less than 2 yards, including being directly adjacent. In various embodiments, the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can be directly adjacent to the opposing first and second ends 14 a,b of the scrimmage zone 12, respectively. Next, the playing field 10 comprises first and second scoring zones 18 a,b (a.k.a., end zones) respectively proximate the first and second no run zones 16 a,b. In various embodiments, the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can be directly adjacent to the first and second no run zones 16 a,b, respectively.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the different zones of the playing field 10 can have a variety of lengths. In various embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 can have a maximum length (“L_(S)”) of less than 20 yards, less than 18 yards, or less than 17 yards. In further embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 can have a maximum length in the range of from about 10 to about 20 yards, in the range of from about 12 to about 18 yards, or in the range of from about 15 to about 17 yards. In certain embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 can have a maximum length of about 16 yards. Additionally, in various embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 can have an average length of less than 20 yards, less than 18 yards, or less than 17 yards. As used herein, the term “average” shall be determined by averaging at least three substantially evenly spaced measurements. In further embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 can have an average length in the range of from about 10 to about 20 yards, in the range of from about 12 to about 18 yards, or in the range of from about 15 to about 17 yards. In certain embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 can have an average length of about 16 yards. In one or more embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 can have approximately the same length across its entire width. Additionally, in various embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 can be substantially quadrilateral (e.g., square or rectangular).

In one or more embodiments, the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can individually have maximum lengths (“L_(N1)” and “L_(N2)”) of less than 5 yards, in the range of from about 3 to less than 5 yards, or about 4 yards. In various embodiments, each of the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have the same or substantially the same maximum length. In further embodiments, the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can individually have average lengths of less than 5 yards, in the range of from about 3 to less than 5 yards, or about 4 yards. In various embodiments, each of the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have the same or substantially the same average length. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, each of the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have approximately the same length across their entire respective widths. Furthermore, in various embodiments, each of the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can be substantially quadrilateral (e.g., square or rectangular).

In one or more embodiments, the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can individually have maximum lengths (“L_(E1)” and “L_(E2)”) of less than less than 10 yards or less than 9 yards. Additionally, the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can individually have maximum lengths in the range of from about 6 to less than 10 yards or from about 7 to about 9 yards. In further embodiments, the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can individually have maximum lengths of about 8 yards. In various embodiments, each of the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can have the same or substantially the same maximum length. In further embodiments, the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can individually have average lengths in the range of from about 6 to less than 10 yards or from about 7 to about 9 yards. In further embodiments, the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can individually have average lengths of about 8 yards. In various embodiments, each of the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can have the same or substantially the same average length. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, each of the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can have approximately the same length across their entire respective widths. Furthermore, in various embodiments, each of the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can be substantially quadrilateral (e.g., square or rectangular).

Referring still to FIG. 1, the playing field 10 can have a maximum total length (“L_(T)”) of less than 50 yards, or less than 45 yards. Additionally, the playing field 10 can have a maximum total length in the range of from about 30 to less than 50 yards, or in the range of from about 35 to about 45 yards. In various embodiments, the playing field 10 can have a maximum total length of about 40 yards. In further embodiments, the playing field 10 can have an average total length of less than 50 yards, or less than 45 yards. Additionally, the playing field 10 can have an average total length in the range of from about 30 to less than 50 yards, or in the range of from about 35 to about 45 yards. In various embodiments, the playing field 10 can have an average total length of about 40 yards. In one or more embodiments, the playing field 10 can have approximately the same length across its entire width. Additionally, in various embodiments, the playing field 10 can be substantially quadrilateral (e.g., square or rectangular).

In various embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 and the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have a combined maximum length (i.e., L_(S)+L_(N1)+L_(N2)) of less than 30 yards, less than 28 yards, less than 26 yards, or less than 25 yards. Additionally, the scrimmage zone 12 and the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have a combined maximum length in the range of from about 20 to about 30 yards, in the range of from about 21 to about 29 yards, in the range of from about 22 to about 27 yards, or in the range of from about 23 to about 25 yards. In one or more embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 and the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have a combined maximum length of about 24 yards. In further embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 and the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have a combined average length of less than 30 yards, less than 28 yards, less than 26 yards, or less than 25 yards. Additionally, the scrimmage zone 12 and the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have a combined average length in the range of from about 20 to about 30 yards, in the range of from about 21 to about 29 yards, in the range of from about 22 to about 27 yards, or in the range of from about 23 to about 25 yards. In one or more embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12 and the first and second no run zones 16 a,b can have a combined average length of about 24 yards.

In one or more embodiments, the playing field 10 can have a maximum width (“W”) of less than 35 yards, less than 33 yards, or less than 31 yards. Additionally, the playing field 10 can have a maximum width in the range of from about 20 to about 35 yards, in the range of from about 23 to about 33 yards, or in the range of from about 27 to about 30 yards. In certain embodiments, the playing field 10 can have a maximum width of about 27 yards. In other various embodiments, the playing field 10 can have a maximum width of about 30 yards. In alternate embodiments, the playing field 10 can have a maximum width in the range of from about 50 to about 55 yards, or about 52 yards. In further embodiments, the playing field 10 can have an average width of less than 35 yards, less than 33 yards, or less than 31 yards. Additionally, the playing field 10 can have an average width in the range of from about 20 to about 35 yards, in the range of from about 23 to about 33 yards, or in the range of from about 27 to about 30 yards. In certain embodiments, the playing field 10 can have an average width of about 27 yards. In other various embodiments, the playing field 10 can have an average width of about 30 yards. In alternate embodiments, the playing field 10 can have an average width in the range of from about 50 to about 55 yards, or about 52 yards. Although it is contemplated within the scope of various embodiments of the present invention that the width of the playing field 10 may vary across its total length, in certain embodiments the playing field 10 can have substantially the same width across its entire length. Correspondingly, in various embodiments, the scrimmage zone 12, the first and second no run zones 16 a,b, and the first and second scoring zones 18 a,b can be substantially coextensive and each have substantially the same width across their respective lengths.

As seen in FIG. 1, the various zones of the playing field 10 are demarcated via lines extending the width of the field. Such demarcation can be accomplished by any means known or hereafter discovered in the art, and is not limited to the use of solid lines. For example, zone boundaries can be marked using paint, chalk, tape, rope, polymeric lines (e.g., vinyl), and the like. In other various embodiments, the zones of the playing field 10 can be demarcated using sideline markers, such as cones, stakes, flags, or the like, either alone or in combination with other field lines.

In one or more embodiments, the playing field 10 can further comprise at least one pair of upright goal posts (not depicted). As known in the art, upright goal posts comprise a pair of upright, vertical posts traversed by a horizontal crossbar that holds the two upright posts. The length of the crossbar, and thus the horizontal distance between the upright posts, can vary generally between about 15 and about 25 feet, or about 18 to about 23 feet. The horizontal crossbar can generally be positioned approximately 10 feet above the ground. Any style of upright goal posts known or hereafter discovered in the art can be employed in the various embodiments described herein. For example, “Y,” “H,” or “slingshot” style goal posts may be employed. Additionally, such goal posts can be stationary or portable. In various embodiments, the playing field 10 can comprise at least 2 pairs of upright goal posts.

When one or more pairs of upright goal posts are employed, they can be positioned proximate one or both of the above-described first and second scoring zones 18 a,b. In one or more embodiments, the above-described horizontal crossbar (not depicted) can be positioned substantially above and be substantially coextensive with the respective first or second goal lines 20 a,b (i.e., the interface between first and second no run zones 16 a,b and respective first and second scoring zones 18 a,b). Alternatively, the horizontal crossbar of the goal posts can be positioned substantially above and be substantially coextensive with the first or second end lines 22 a,b of respective scoring zones 18 a,b.

As noted above, the system for playing the game described herein can further comprise a ball. In various embodiments, the ball (not depicted) can be a prolate spheroid ball. Particularly, in certain embodiments, the ball can be an American-style football.

As mentioned above, certain embodiments of the present invention concern methods for playing flag football. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the game system described herein can comprise a plurality of wearable, detachable flags. Any type of flag known or hereafter discovered for use in playing flag football may be employed. For example, “sonic”-type flags may be employed, where a flag is detachable from a belt worn by a player. Additional equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the art may also be employed in conjunction with various embodiments of the game system described herein (e.g., pads, helmets, etc.).

As mentioned above, various embodiments of the present invention concern methods for playing a game employing the above-described game system. In one or more embodiments, such a method can initially comprise obtaining a playing field as described above with reference to FIG. 1. It should be noted that “obtaining” such a playing field may include simply gaining access to a field demarcated as described above or may involve creating such a field. Thus, in certain embodiments, a method for playing a game is contemplated that includes the steps of:

-   -   (a) defining on a playing field a scrimmage zone, substantially         as described above with reference to FIG. 1;     -   (b) defining on a playing field first and second no run zones,         substantially as described above with reference to FIG. 1;     -   (c) defining on a playing field first and second scoring zones,         substantially as described above with reference to FIG. 1; and     -   (d) optionally, installing at least one pair of upright goal         posts, which may be positioned substantially as described above         with reference to FIG. 1.

Once such a field has been obtained, various embodiments of the present invention concern methods for playing a game using the field and a prolate spheroid ball as described above. Further, such a game can be played according to a set of rules. In various embodiments, the game can be a football-style game, such as American-style football. Furthermore, the game can employ rules similar to American-style tackle football or American-style flag football. In certain embodiments, the rules can be similar to American-style flag football. Since the general rules for playing football are known in the art, many details regarding how the game is played have been omitted for the sake of simplicity; however, such details will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In general, one of two opposing teams attempts to advance the above-mentioned ball along the length of the playing field and into one of the scoring zones discussed above while the other team opposes the movement of the first team. Each team can comprise a plurality of players, and each team can comprise the same number of active players. As used herein, the term “active player” is intended to mean players on the playing field actively participating in the game. For example, each team can have at least 4 active players, at least 5 active players, at least 7 active players, or at least 11 active players. Furthermore, each team can have 4 active players, each team can have 5 active players, each team can have 7 active players, or each team can have 11 active players. Active players of the various teams can fulfill a number of positions on the team, as traditionally known in the art of football. For instance, each offensive team may have one or more team members fulfilling the roles of quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and/or offensive lineman. Additionally, each defensive team may have one or more team members fulfilling the roles of cornerback, safety, and/or defensive lineman.

In order to move the ball downfield, the method of playing the game can comprise a plurality of plays. In one or more embodiments, a point-scoring system can be provided whereby the first team (i.e., the team on offense) is given a total of 4 plays or less to advance the ball into a designated one of the first or second scoring zones by legally breaking the plane of the goal line with the ball. For ease of reference, when referring to a “first team” herein, such reference shall mean the team currently on offense, while reference to a “second team” shall mean the team currently on defense; however, it should be understood that, as is the norm with football-type games, each team will alternate playing offense and defense following either a score or turnover. Various types of plays may be employed for advancing the ball down the field. For example, run plays and passing plays may be employed. Such plays are well known in the art of football, the details of which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, the particulars of such plays are not discussed herein for simplicity's sake, with the exception of instances where the rules of the present game differ from accepted practices.

As noted above, a first team can be given a total of 4 plays or less to advance the ball into a designated scoring zone. In one or more embodiments, the first team can initiate their first play at a predetermined starting position, or line of scrimmage as known in the art. In one or more embodiments, the initial line of scrimmage for the first team to start their drive can be at or near the interface between the scrimmage zone and the no run zone located opposite the designated scoring zone. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the first team can start their offensive drive at or near first end 14 a of scrimmage zone 12 when attempting to drive the ball towards scoring zone 18 b. In various embodiments, the distance the first team must drive the ball to score from the predetermined starting position (i.e., the distance between first end 14 a and goal line 20 b, or length “L_(S+N2)”) can be in the range of from about 15 to about 25 yards, in the range of from about 17 to about 23 yards, or in the range of from about 19 to about 21 yards. In certain embodiments, the distance the first team must drive the ball to score from the predetermined starting position can be about 20 yards, or 20 yards.

As noted above, various types of plays may be employed by the first team in order to advance the ball. In one or more embodiments, the first team may be allowed one pitch per offensive play. As used herein, the term “pitch” denotes any lateral or backward pass from any one player on the first team to any other one player on the first team. Such a pitch may be attempted by the first team from any position on the field.

When attempting pass plays, the first team may be permitted to have less than 10, less than 9, or less than 8 seconds to pass the ball. In certain embodiments, the first team can have 7 seconds or less to pass the ball. Additionally, such time limits can also be applied to any handoff or pitch intended to be passed by the player receiving the handoff or pitch. Similarly, in various embodiments, these same time limits may also apply to run plays, such that any run must pass the line of scrimmage within the prescribed time limit.

When pass plays are attempted by the first team, in various embodiments, all active players of the first team can be eligible receivers. This can include the quarterback following a change of possession, such as a handoff, pitch, or pass. In certain embodiments, the rules can require the receiver to have at least one foot in bounds to make a legal catch. Additionally, in various embodiments, a player that has gone out of bounds may not return in bounds and be the first receiver to touch the ball when attempting to make a catch.

In one or more embodiments, run plays may be prohibited from being attempted by the first team when the line of scrimmage coincides with first or second ends 14 a,b, or anywhere within first or second no run zones 16 a,b, when attempting to drive the ball into respective scoring zones 18 a,b. For example, if the first team is attempting to score in scoring zone 18 b and the line of scrimmage coincides with second end 14 b or is within second no run zone 16 b, then the first team may be prohibited from attempting to execute a run play. As used herein, the term “run play” as it relates to plays performed in the either first or second no run zones 16 a,b shall denote any play where the quarterback hands off or pitches the ball to a teammate. In other words, in various embodiments, only plays involving a forward pass by the quarterback are permitted in either first or second no run zones 16 a,b.

In one or more embodiments, each play can begin on a line of scrimmage, which can be determined in a variety of ways, such as using the predetermined starting point mentioned above for the initial down, the spot of the end of a previous offensive play, either where the first team has maintained possession of the ball or where the second team has obtained possession of the ball by way of a turnover. In various embodiments, members of the second team may be prohibited from attempting to rush the quarterback of the first team unless the rushing member is at least 7 yards away from the line of scrimmage at the beginning of the play in question (e.g., when the ball is snapped). Additionally, in various embodiments, a member of the second team who intends to rush the quarterback and jumps beyond the 7-yard limit prior to the beginning of the play can automatically incur a penalty. In such instances, the penalty can be, for example, 5 yards and an automatic first down. In various embodiments, any player on the second team who is not at least 7 yards from the line of scrimmage may not cross the line of scrimmage until there has been at least one change in possession from one player on the first team to another player on the first team (e.g., a handoff, pass, or pitch). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the second team must have at least one player attempt to rush the quarterback on each play, with the exception of kicking plays by the first team. Additionally, the player or players attempting to rush the quarterback cannot be impeded by members of the first team. In certain embodiments, the rules can prohibit the rushing member of the second from contacting the quarterback; if such contact does occur, the offending rusher can incur a roughing penalty.

As known in the art of football, a play can end by a variety of ways. For example, in the specific case of flag football, a play may end when a defensive player pulls the flag of an offensive player having possession of the ball. In certain embodiments, if the defensive player pulls the flag of a receiver prior to the receiver obtaining possession of the ball, then the defensive player must pull a second flag from the receiver to end the play after the receiver has possession of the ball. In the case of tackle football, a play may end when a defensive player tackles an offensive player having possession of the ball. Additional ways a play could end include, but are not limited to, any score, any incomplete pass, if the ball touches the ground, and/or if a ball carrier's knee touches the ground.

As noted above with reference to FIG. 1, the playing field 10 can further comprise one or more pairs of upright goal posts. In various embodiments, a field goal may be attempted by the first team trying to kick the ball through the pair of uprights during a play. If such a field goal attempt is missed, then the second team can take over on offense at the line of scrimmage from where the field goal was attempted. In various embodiments, when the first team is attempting a kick, the second team may be prohibited from rushing during the attempt. In certain embodiments, team members of the second team may attempt to block the kicked ball from behind the line of scrimmage. Furthermore, in various embodiments, field goals and/or kicked extra points can be spotted a distance from the line of scrimmage in the range of from about 5 to about 10 yards, or about 7 yards. Additionally, in various embodiments, the second team may attempt to return any kick caught within the field of play if a field goal is missed.

As is generally accepted in the art of football, a scoring system can be provided whereby a touchdown equals six points, an extra point following a touchdown achieved either by driving the ball into the scoring zone from four yards out or kicking the ball through the upright goal posts is one point, an extra point following a touchdown achieved by driving the ball into the scoring zone from ten yards out is two points, and a field goal achieved by kicking the ball through the pair of uprights is three points. Additionally, in various embodiments, the second team may return an intercepted ball for the same number of points being attempted by the first team.

As with many forms of football, the rules of the present game can provide for a number of penalties to be incurred, both on offense and defense. The following Table 1 is a non-exclusive list of penalties and corresponding exemplary yardage loss or gain that can be provided for in the rules. It should be noted that some of the penalties described below in Table 1 are applicable only to flag football, while others are applicable to both flag and tackle football.

TABLE 1 Penalties Penalty Type Yardage Offensive Penalties Illegal motion or false start  5 yards Pass interference, push off, picks  5 yards Impeding rusher  5 yards Screen blocking (impeding  5 yards defensive player's line to pull flag) Excessive contact (roughing) 15 yards, 1^(st) down Flag guarding  5 yards from spot of foul Unsportsmanlike conduct 15 yards or ejection Defensive Penalties Offside, illegal rush  5 yards Pass interference  5 yards Illegal contact; holding Spot of foul, 5 yards, and 1^(st) down Roughing the quarterback 15 yards, 1^(st) down Unsportsmanlike conduct 15 yards or ejection

In one or more embodiments, time limits can be provided for playing the above-described game. For example, the total game time can be in the range of from about 20 minutes to about 2 hours, or in the range of from about 25 minutes to about an hour. In certain embodiments, the total game time can be about 28 minutes. In other embodiments, the total game time can be about 1 hour. The game time can also be divided, such as into two separate halves. In certain instances, each team can be provided with a number of time outs. The number and length of such time outs can vary according to known practices. In certain instances, each team can be provided one time out per period (e.g., half) of about 30 seconds.

In certain instances, the score may be tied at the end of such regulation periods. In such instances, an overtime procedure can be followed, whereby a coin toss determines which team shall receive the first possession. Thereafter, each team can be given one possession, starting at the 10 yard line. If both teams score the same number of points on their respective possessions, a second overtime can be played. If neither team scores on their possession, the team with the most yards gained can be awarded one point to break the tie.

Various embodiments of the present invention further contemplate a league having a plurality of teams playing the above-described game. In such embodiments, a method is contemplated whereby a league operator or coordinator organizes games, schedules, tournaments, and the like among the plurality of teams. Furthermore, such a league operator or coordinator may be responsible for administering the rules of the game in accordance with the various embodiments described herein.

Definitions

It should be understood that the following is not intended to be an exclusive list of defined terms. Other definitions may be provided in the foregoing description, such as, for example, when accompanying the use of a defined term in context.

As used herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” mean one or more.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise” are open-ended transition terms used to transition from a subject recited before the term to one or more elements recited after the term, where the element or elements listed after the transition term are not necessarily the only elements that make up the subject.

As used herein, the terms “having,” “has,” and “have” have the same open-ended meaning as “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise” provided above.

As used herein, the terms “including,” “includes,” and “include” have the same open-ended meaning as “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise” provided above.

Numerical Ranges

The present description uses numerical ranges to quantify certain parameters relating to the invention. It should be understood that when numerical ranges are provided, such ranges are to be construed as providing literal support for claim limitations that only recite the lower value of the range as well as claim limitations that only recite the upper value of the range. For example, a disclosed numerical range of 10 to 100 provides literal support for a claim reciting “greater than 10” (with no upper bounds) and a claim reciting “less than 100” (with no lower bounds).

Claims not Limited to Disclosed Embodiments

The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be used in a limiting sense to interpret the scope of the present invention. Modifications to the exemplary embodiments, set forth above, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as it pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A system for playing a game, said system comprising: (a) a playing field having defined thereon: (i) a scrimmage zone having opposing first and second ends; (ii) opposing first and second no run zones respectively proximate said first and second ends of said scrimmage zone; (iii) opposing first and second scoring zones respectively proximate said first and second no run zones; and (b) a prolate spheroid ball, wherein said scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 20 yards, wherein the scrimmage zone and said first and second no run zones have a combined maximum length of less than 30 yards.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wearable, detachable flags.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said prolate spheroid ball is an American-style football.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said playing field has a maximum width in the range of from about 25 to about 35 yards, wherein said scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 18 yards, wherein said playing field has a total length of less than 50 yards.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second no run zones has a maximum length of less than 5 yards, wherein said first no run zone has substantially the same maximum length as said second no run zone, wherein said scrimmage zone and said first and second no run zones have a combined maximum length in the range of from about 21 to about 29 yards.
 6. The system of claim 1, said playing field further comprising at least one pair of upright goal posts, wherein said upright goal posts are located proximate at least one of said first or second scoring zones.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said scrimmage zone, said first and second no run zones, and said first and second scoring zones are substantially coextensive, each having approximately the same width.
 8. A method of organizing a game, said method comprising: administering a set of rules for playing said game, wherein said rules provide for: (a) a playing field having defined thereon: (i) a scrimmage zone having opposing first and second ends; (ii) opposing first and second no run zones respectively proximate said first and second ends of said scrimmage zone; (iii) opposing first and second scoring zones respectively proximate said first and second no run zones; wherein said scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 20 yards, wherein said first and second no run zones each have a maximum length of less than 5 yards, (b) a prolate spheroid ball, (c) a point-scoring system wherein a first team is given a total of 4 plays or less to advance said prolate spheroid ball into a designated one of said first or second scoring zones.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said point-scoring system further comprises requiring said first team to initially advance said ball from a predetermined starting point into said designated one of said first or second scoring zones in 4 plays or less, wherein said predetermined starting point is located substantially at the interface between said scrimmage zone and said no run zone located opposite said designated one of said first or second scoring zones.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said game is American-style flag football.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein said rules permit one pitch by said first team per one of said plays, wherein said rules prohibit run plays to be performed by said first team in said first and second no run zones.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein said rules require each of said plays to begin on a line of scrimmage, wherein said rules provide for a second team attempting to inhibit advancement of said ball, wherein said rules provide for said first team to comprise a quarterback, wherein said rules prohibit any member of said second team to rush said quarterback unless said member is at least 7 yards away from said line of scrimmage at the beginning of any of said plays.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said rules provide for a member of said second team who intends to rush said quarterback and jumps beyond said 7-yard limit prior to said beginning of said play to automatically incur a penalty.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein said rules further provide for said playing field to further comprise at least one pair of upright goal posts.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said rules permit a field goal attempt by said first team attempting to kick said ball through said pair of upright goal posts during one of said plays.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said playing field has a maximum width in the range of from about 25 to about 35 yards, wherein said scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 18 yards, wherein said playing field has a total length of less than 50 yards, wherein said first no run zone has substantially the same maximum length as said second no run zone, wherein said scrimmage zone and said first and second no run zones have a combined maximum length in the range of from about 21 to about 29 yards.
 17. A method of playing a football-type game, said method comprising: (a) obtaining a playing field having defined thereon: (i) a scrimmage zone having opposing first and second ends; (ii) opposing first and second no run zones respectively proximate said first and second ends of said scrimmage zone; (iii) opposing first and second scoring zones respectively proximate said first and second no run zones; wherein said scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 20 yards, wherein said first and second no run zones each have a maximum length of less than 5 yards; (b) obtaining a prolate spheroid ball; (c) providing a first team having a plurality of players and a second team having a plurality of players; and (d) providing said first team a total of 4 plays or less to advance said prolate spheroid ball into a designated one of said first or second scoring zones from a predetermined starting point.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said first team initially attempts to advance said ball from a predetermined starting point into said designated one of said first or second scoring zones in 4 plays or less, wherein said predetermined starting point is located substantially at the interface between said scrimmage zone and said no run zone located opposite said designated one of said first or second scoring zones.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein said game is American-style flag football.
 20. The method of claim 17, further providing allowing one pitch by said first team per one of said plays, further providing prohibiting run plays to be performed by said first team in said first and second no run zones.
 21. The method of claim 17, further providing beginning each of said plays on a line of scrimmage, further providing said second team attempting to inhibit advancement of said prolate spheroid ball, further providing for said first team to comprise a quarterback and prohibiting any member of said second team from rushing said quarterback unless said member is at least 7 yards away from said line of scrimmage at the beginning of any of said plays, wherein said member of said second team who intends to rush said quarterback and jumps beyond said 7-yard limit prior to said beginning of said play automatically incurs a penalty.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein said playing field further comprises at least one pair of upright goal posts, further providing allowing said first team to attempt a field goal by said first team attempting to kick said ball through said pair of upright goal posts during one of said plays.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein said playing field has a maximum width in the range of from about 25 to about 35 yards, wherein said scrimmage zone has a maximum length of less than 18 yards, wherein said playing field has a total length of less than 50 yards, wherein said first no run zone has substantially the same maximum length as said second no run zone, wherein said scrimmage zone and said first and second no run zones have a combined maximum length in the range of from about 21 to about 29 yards. 